I watch her eyelashes grow. I stare at her pink pouty lips. I caress her dark baby hair as she feeds.
Amazed by grace. Overwhelmed by His love for me. My arms now full of answered prayers.
My daughter is here and I have learned God not only listens but answers us as we boldly approach His throne.
She smiles and my heart melts.
I can hear the heavenly Hallelujahs. She giggles like she hears them, too.
I’ve blown out candles on chocolate frosted yellow cake for seven years, praying (trying to be brave and not weep) for the hope of this child . . . for God to fill our home with a family.
I knew this day would come. God gave me faith, encouragement and a clear vision.
But I wish I remembered the first time I saw my daughter.
I had planned and rehearsed how her birth moment would unfold. But you can’t ever be prepared for how God answers prayers. Or foresee extra miracles on top of the one you’re living.
My pregnancy was an easy one. I was truly thankful for only a few weeks of nausea and energy soon after. I won’t go into details of how much weight I gained. {Lets just say, I’m glad I’m tall to carry more than double expected.}
I was almost two weeks overdue. I went into labor on Mother’s Day. God-ronic.
Strong contractions ensued. I was in active labor for 17 hours with very little progress to show for it. I had planned on a natural birth at the hospital, but was open to God’s leading.
Sometimes the miracle that you’ve prayed for is harder and sweeter than you could imagine. Unexpected yet still good – like rock candy.
Not dilating more than 4cm, the doctor broke my water. Nothing. No more progress. The monitors showed our daughter was under stress. We finally agreed to a c-section and the medical team started to prep me for the operating room.
My husband left to get scrubbed in to join me in surgery. The next few moments are sort of fuzzy. Our daughter’s heart rate dropped to 60 and the situation became an emergency. Nurses rushing in, everyone yelling, sounds of Velcro and plastic ripping. “We’re going now. Get Dr. Hannah.”
I wasn’t scared. God gave me a mother’s peace. {Another miracle.}
The last I remember was the doctor asking if I could feel three clamps on my stomach. I did. Which meant the epidural hadn’t taken. They knocked me out.
As I laid on a hard table, unconscious, trusting, God saved my daughter’s life. In 60 seconds she was pulled out of me and into the world. She had a knot in her chord and it wasn’t long enough for her to reach the light. This explained why my body wasn’t delivering her. But God’s purposes prevailed.
Gabrielle Elise Bryant arrived into our lives on Monday, May 13, 2013, at 2:41 pm.
Still heavily medicated, fresh from post-op, my eyes couldn’t focus but my heart consumed the moment that I first met my daughter. I was filled with unspeakable joy and intense reliance on the Jesus that entrusted our daughter to us.
Our doctor visited us three times while I was recovering. His eyes were big as he told us it was scary. This coming from a man who has delivered over 4,000 babies. And then he mentioned the next unknown miracle . . . he found a huge cyst on my ovary and endometriosis. He was curious how I was able to get pregnant.
“I know you tried for seven years and she’s your miracle. But you don’t realize how BIG a miracle she is.”
God answered our prayers for a child, for His timing and protection and for Gabrielle’s life to bring great glory to Him all of her days . . . starting the day she was born. Without the hardships, the waiting, the gut-wrenching seeking, the glory wouldn’t be as bright and seen by so many.
I know Jesus danced and laughed with joy at her heavenly birthday party that day in May. He had been anxiously awaiting her arrival into the earth just as much as we had. Gabrielle was finally here and her life was already glorifying our Lord.
We went home a family. A long-awaited miracle.
Gabrielle was delivered into our arms but we were the ones that were delivered into the arms of Grace.
Now Gabrielle is almost 11 weeks old and a pure delight. We love her dearly and pray daily God will continue to glorify Himself in and through her life. The miracle is alive and well. Thank you, Jesus!
{When a story brings a gasp or tears or laughter from deep places, the world pauses and knows that God is love . . . and Love is alive and well. My unique story, your story, is worth telling because it is His.}
Are you telling others about your miracle? Now is your chance. I’d love to read how God has shown you grace and answered your prayers.
Leave a Comment
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Stephanie,
What a testimony your story is to God’s love, mercy and grace! Congratulations on the arrival of your little yet big miracle! I tell people that my life verse is Psalm 40:1-3. It talks about God lifting David (me) out of the mud and mire (OCD) and setting my feet on a rock…The last line says, “Many will see and be in awe and put their trust in the Lord.” I believe that God allows trials in our lives so that in our weakness, He can be strong and then as with any miracle, God will build the second miracle – that being that many will be In awe and put their trust in the Lord. Many have watched you go through the trials of infertility, but the double miracle is your beautiful daughter and those who will be drawn to the Lord because of her. Our God is good!
Blessings,
Bev
Erin says
Wow! She is something! So beautiful. Congrats! God has redeemed a huge loss in my life. Two years ago we lost our son Christian two hours after his birth. We knew he had a fatal prenatal diagnosis but chose to carry him and honor his little life. We conceived him and his older brother through fertility treatments. As I type this, I’m holding my 11 week
Old rainbow baby ( a baby born after a loss). We became pregnant on our own, with no medical intervention. I’m still amazed at God’s grace and mercy. We named him Will- “God’s Will”
Thank you for sharing your happy ending. God is so good.
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. She’s beautiful. Like you, my husband and I are waiting and praying for Papa to fill our home with a family. Miracles still happen. Thank you for sharing your story!
Bekah says
I LOVED reading this story…and am rejoicing with you!! Several of your sentences went in my journal as God has put me on a prayer-path to a miracle in my life. Not even sure yet what miracle I’m praying to receive – just know that He has a plan in store and I need to pray my way toward it. My favorite sentence you wrote was “Sometimes the miracle that you’ve prayed for is harder and sweeter than you could imagine.” True in my life. A devastating breakup left me undone and wrecked on levels I’d never known, and I thought my chance at love was gone forever. But God. That’s all there is to say. But God. http://bekahsbits.blogspot.com/p/our-love-story.html
Jen @ Creating Chaos Blog says
Thank you for sharing your miraculous birth story! It brought tears to my eyes. God is so good and his timing is always perfect! Much love and prayers to you and your beautiful family!
Crystal Stine says
Oh friend, my mama’s heart is sobbing grateful tears over your story this morning. Praise God for miracles, and for this sweet, amazing, brave little girl.
Melissa says
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. The thing about God is even if things don’t go the way we had planned, He’s still there working.
I’m reminded of something my husband’s sister said. Hers was a miracle baby too, born after years of trying to get pregnant. She had militantly planned for a natural birth but her body had other plans. But she said to me about a year later, when I was pregnant with my own baby, “I’m actually glad it didn’t go the way I planned because I think if it had, it would have made me very judgmental toward other women.” It’s always stuck with me. Things don’t always go the way we plan, but that doesn’t mean everything is ruined.
Kelly says
Thanks for sharing your story of God’s amazing miracles! Just a reminder to lots of readers – sometimes, God answers our prayers in an unexpected way. I’ve been blessed to see how foster care and adoption also builds families in a miraculous way, and try to remind others that traditional birth isn’t the only answer to our prayers.
Mona Agosto says
Thank you for your story it touched my heart.
Diane W. Bailey says
Congratulations beautiful little mama. My daughter is 30 this year, and is my very best friend. You have a lot to look forward to !
Cheryl Ricker says
Oh Stephanie! I LOVED reading about your amazing miracle. Thank you so much for sharing! It brought back rich sweet memories. Both of my babies were born into the world in distress. My second one only scored 2.5 Epgar and he came out blue. But God still held the throne. We had two difficult years with Justin, but God carried us through. And even just now, after I started typing this comment to you, Justin just stepped in the room to see me. He just turned thirteen. My little miracle has grown so big. And God’s grace keeps chasing on ahead of us. He’ll do the same for you — every step of the way, my friend. He has totally equipped you to be a miracle mom. Thanks for all you with your words as well. XO
alyssaz says
oh my word. I think I am crying. This is a gorgeous story and you are a gorgeous lady with a gorgeous baby. Thank you so much for sharing!
Sarah says
Thank for a nice dose of happy tears today. Your story is absolutely beautiful and truly shows the glory of our most amazing God. Just one month ago on our 7th wedding anniversary, my husband and I were blessed to welcome our second child (a beautiful baby girl) into this world. From the moment she was conceived, I knew God was telling me she would be a world-changer – and has she ever! Her birth was beautiful, almost effortless, and these last 4 weeks have been the same with an added burst of joy as we get to enjoy her every day.
Although I did not have any complications with either one of my pregnancies, the birth of our first child definitely brought on some extended baby blues which greatly affected my emotions, relationships and life. Knowing that I am a super-emotional woman, I truly believe God answered and is still answering many prayers and protecting me from myself with the birth of our daughter. He has given me the strength to rely on Him and to not give in to the lies of the enemy which can easily creep up in the vulnerable emotions and hormonal moments of child birth.
Not only has Jesus changed our lives with this new addition to our family, but He has also drawn us closer to Him in the midst of many other changes that we are excited to venture into when He gives the green light.
Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging us to share our story as well!
Julie Sunne says
Congratulations, Stephanie! She is gorgeous!
Lisa Spidle says
I love hearing stories like these. Congratulations! I also, went down the road of infertility. Even the word infertility sounds so sterile. It doesn’t describe the heart ache, the hard work it takes to walk through this journey. Ours was 12 years. So precious are these moments. She is beautiful and her daddy’s smile melt my heart. Thank you for sharing!
nina ruth says
What a beautiful story! I am so glad for you and encouraged to ask and believe for a miracle of my own, too!!!
Love,
Nina Ruth 🙂
Katie B says
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful…
Monique says
What a beautiful testimony of love, not only to you and your family, but the One who loved us first! Your story immediately reminded me a song (just the gist of it) we sing in church sometimes ….”I’m Looking for a miracle/ I expect the impossible/ I feel the intangible/ I see the invisible… The sky is the limit/ to what I can have… Just believe and receive it/ God will perform it today.” They that wait on the Lord …..Many continued blessings to you and yours!
Ria says
Thank you for sharing your story! Today marks one year since a diagnosis of azoospermia and feeling completely shattered in the face of a mountain too big for us to climb. While we are still waiting and hoping for a child, God has been showing is that He is always with us and we have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. The peace He has given is a miracle in my life.
Emily says
Thank you for sharing your story! Our son was born 5 weeks ago today…a beautiful gift from God after losing 3 children before birth. We struggled with recurrent miscarriages and unexplained infertility for 3 years before we decided to adopt. Three weeks before we finalized the adoption of our daughter (our FIRST miracle), we discovered I was pregnant. The journey through 40 weeks was stressful but God whispered to me from the beginning of the pregnancy, “This baby isn’t for you. It’s for your daughter.” And from the moment I heard it, I just clung to that whispering, hearing it again and again. The Lord hears and lovingly gives — sometimes it’s just not in the way we plan or expect. May He continue to bless you richly!
Kristen says
Your story is such an encouragement to me as I am currently praying for my own miracle: successful outcome of a surgery that I had yesterday for a chronic gynological issue. I won’t know the results for awhile, and the waiting is hard/scary, but I am leaning on Gods plan and timing. Thank you for sharing!
Sharon O says
SO beautiful… I pray for you to have many wonderful memories with her. Isn’t God awesome?
Angela Wood says
So happy for you and your new family! Treasure each and every moment… all the goop and glory. Parenting is not for the faint of heart but Oh So wonderful.
My first baby entered the world just as yours did… an easy pregnancy and overdue. After 30 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing, I’d abandoned all of my well organized birth plans and had an emergency C-section. If not for that, she would not have made it. She just celebrated her 15th Birthday and has been traveling this summer with the All American Singers sharing the love of Jesus in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mainland China.
My 2nd & 3rd babies were difficult and high risk… complete placenta previa and pre-term labor from 20 weeks. I was on bed rest for long stretches of time and in and out of the hospital… but the births were a breeze. Planned C-sections and healthy babies despite their 5 and 6 week early deliveries. My son is 12 today and my youngest daughter is 10. They continually amaze me with their compassionate and caring hearts towards others.
That’s the thing…. we hear so much about parenting in how difficult it is or how wonderful… but not so often do we talk about how remarkably changed we become thru the pouring out that mothering brings. We give our lives and God keeps filling us up. Kids teach us so much. I’m a better person because I’ve been given the opportunity to mother these 3.
I’m thrilled for you as you begin your mothering journey!
Lorraine Lupisan Cobb says
WONDERFUL testimony!
This was to be our last child, delivered by C section.
After the procedure, nurses awoke me announcing ‘It’s a boy.’ Groggy, elated, grateful to God for answered prayers! Our family complete, previously having two healthy, beautiful daughters and now, a son! Hearing a faint, congested cry, the baby was whisked away. ‘The nurses will take care of him now.’
In the Recovery Room, waiting patiently to be moved to my room to see my husband and baby.
Wheeled into the maternity ward, a large room acommodating 6 beds. There were five, rather loud, cackling geese (patients) sitting up in their feathered beds! I was stationed in the middle of them, a splitting headache begun and knew no way able to rest!
“Excuse me Nurse? Nurse! There is a mistake. I had requested a private room, way in advance.The insurance covers it. Upon admittance, they confirmed, a private room was available for me. I do not feel well. Please, see to it. ‘ PTL problem resolved.
Having a fever off and on, the next few days, not permitted to see my son, let alone hold, nor feed him! Hardly saw or heard from my husband as I was groggy, given morphine for pain, sleeping most times. The masked nurses informed ‘ Your husband is in the nursery. ‘
Figuring he was thoroughly enjoying his one and only son!Plus wanted to avoid possibilities of passing on viral infection to him.
Three days later, the pediatrician walks in and says: ‘It looks like your little guy is gonna make it…’ I said “WHAT?” he explained ‘neonatal pneumonia’ the antibiotics has taken effect, clearing lungs and breathing normal.’ WHY didn’t my husband tell me???’ ‘ He had been there all along with the baby, shown quite a bit of emotion through the process…” I shared that I had not known the baby was ill. Became shocked, confused, livid. ” The doctor asked “Would you like to see your son? Your fever has subsided and it will be fine.” What kind of mother was I and what husband would keep this info. from his wife? Feelings of guilt, selfishness, anger, resentment set in. It does not matter, the baby is alive and well, that’s what’s important.
When they brought in my son, he was sleeping soundly, actually passed out as he had not responded to my voice or touching his cute button nose.
Holding him upright, against my chest, began gently massaging the nape of his neck, shoulders,back, buttocks, thighs, legs, and feet.Each time, acted unusual. He would jerk his body, or shrivel shoulders, face squint as if in pain! Curious, laid him down on the white bed sheet and began to carefully remove his cap, unwrap the blanket, undress clothes.
I was aghast! The crown of his head, both hips, thighs, heels of his feet, looked raw, scarred from hundreds of needle marks from administering the antibiotics.
His arms were outstretched, hands clenched in a fist…(he had to be a fighter to endure those hundred of needles.Cuts on his heels later learned to stimulate circulation.)
What on earth did my baby go through without the loving arms of it’s mother to comfort, hold him???
Right then and there grasped the measure of God’s love for me. HE had been there for my son. My husband, nurses, doctors were there. Having children was a special gift in itself!
“For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son. Whosoever believeth on Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16.
Jesus was mocked, wearing a crown of thorns, whipped, beaten beyond recognition, hands and feet nailed to a cross.
Although my son had scars all over his little frame, he could not pay for sin!No one but Jesus.
He paid the full penalty for the sins of the world, only Jesus. ” I am The Way, The Truth and the Life. No man comes to The Father but by Me…Jn. 14:6
The picture of the cross was portrayed before my eyes. I wept in silence praising God for all His benefits! I put the baby clothes back on his bruised body.
I remember the sermon that Pastor Steve Farrar preached Sunday, before my delivery. (currently, Senior Pastor in Texas, Author of: Point Man, King Me) Steve shared of Hannah, in the Bible. She was barren, faithfully praying for a son in the temple. A priest saw her thinking she was drunk, out of her mind. She shared of her burden and God granted her request! She gave birth to Samuel and when of age, returned to the temple, had dedicated him back to The Lord to serve all the days of his life!
That is the prayer for my son and my daughters. To love, reverence God and serve Him all the days of their lives.
That was over 30 years ago. Am still married, now have grandchildren to share wondrous deeds of a faithful, living, merciful, loving God!
Enjoying His Grace,
Lorraine Cobb
Susan G says
Congratulations Stephanie! Not only on your beautiful baby girl, but your miracle as well! God is always good…no matter what… God has given me many miracles, such as a little cyst disappearing on my finger, swollen knees now pain free… My daughter (now 41 🙂 ) was born with the cord around her neck. God delivered her naturally and the doctor quickly flipped the cord from around her neck as she slid out. Only later that day did I realize what that could have caused… Her little feet also looked twisted around each other and I had to give her little feet massages and pull them straight down each time I gave her a new diaper. Years later as my beautiful daughter walked across the stage at the Miss Oregon pageant, He reminded me of how she looked when she was born…and what He had done, a true miracle! God can do ANYTHING He wants to do, that gives Him Glory! I have 3 children, and 6 beautiful grandchildren and am so blessed!
Thank you so much for an awesome story with a beautiful ‘happy ending’.
May He continue to bless you and your family!
Susan
Penny says
Congratulations Stephanie on the miraculous birth of your beautiful baby girl.What a true blessing she is for you and your husband.
Penny
Kristy says
Oh Stephanie, Gabrielle is beautiful! Congratulations on your amazing miracle!! Thank you for sharing your story! Your words touched my heart. Especially, at the end of your post when you said our stories are worth telling because they are His. I so agree! :0)
Thirteen years ago, I had two brain aneurysms. One ruptured (July 19th, 2000) and I walked around with it bleeding in my head for a week. The second aneurysm was found with an angiogram and then was surgically clipped as it was rupturing. Today, actually marks the anniversary of my first brain surgery to clip the second aneurysm. By the Grace of God I am alive! I was seventeen years old at the time. Like you, I was not afraid. God gave me His wonderfully overwhelming peace and I knew I was going to be okay. :0) I finished high school on time and college as well. I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful blessings. I am who I am, where I am, because our Heavenly Father gave me a story to tell. His story.
Thank you Stephanie for sharing your and Gabrielle’s story and for encouraging us to share our story with you! Enjoy all the wonderful moments to come with your little lamb from God.
Thank you Lord for all of our stories. Please use them for your glory!!
Paula McLane Jennings says
My infertility and birth story are fairly similar although I did not end up with a C-section. After years of infertility, artificial inseminations all sorts of treatments, my boys were both conceived (6 years apart) in one time prayerful miracles. Their father has AIDS. He also has diabetes – insulin dependent. None of us contracted it through the pregnancies and births. We also all ended up with needle sticks and again God kept us all free of the infection. Their father is still alive and on a missions trip in Africa now over 20 years later. God is SO good.
Heidi says
Congratulations on your beautiful little girl! God is truly amazing.
My story is this: Last October, my husband, who had not been feeling well, had a dr. appointment. After an ultrasound, which was inconclusive, he was admitted to the hospital. More tests were done, and he was diagnosed w/ pancreatic cancer. I still begin crying as I think of that day the dr. told us this news. My husband started crying, and said “Why? I have so much to live for??” I have never felt so helpless in my life. The next days went by in a blur, as we told family and friends, and out children. The plan was this: 3 rounds of chemo, and a CAT scan to see if the tumor had shrunk. If, and only if, it shrunk would surgery happen. Prayer became so vital to me, and the healing. God worked through the chemo, and it shrunk the tumor. He had surgery on Jan. 3. When the surgeon came to talk to me after the operation, he said, the tumor had come out (“peeled off” he said) and did no damage to the vein it was up against. No cancer was found in the stomach, and no part of the stomach was removed. It was God’s answer to our prayers. My husband had to endure more chemo and then radiation after the surgery, but is doing better each day. THANK YOU GOD! He has another CAT scan coming up on Aug. 5, and I would appreciate your prayers for him, that the cancer is still gone.
I cannot tell you how amazing God has been through all this – words cannot do it justice. I just KNOW with all my heart that God was in that operating room, and IS helping my husband through all this.
I hope to share this story with others, to share God’s strength and healing power, but have not found an outlet.
Kristi says
Congratulations on your miracle!
After years of wanting children my husband and I decided to adopt. Although we had agreed to consider children of another race, when two boys of a different ethnicity (not to mention some special needs) were presented to us the rubber really had to meet the road. Were we really willing to parent these children who didn’t look like us, might not be accepted by our families, and would require more care than we were really expecting? After lamenting and crying out to God for answers my miracle came in the form of a two hour conversation with my husband. During the course of that discussion, I watched in amazement as God brought both of us to the exact same place. We would pursue those boys and see where He would lead us from there.
Today as I hold these sweet boys in my lap, I wonder how I ever doubted. These are the sons He intended for us all along. They are my constant reminders to trust Him even when things don’t fit into my predetermined plans.
JessiAnn says
Ohmygoodness… this story eerily parallels my second daughter’s birth in so many ways. I was induced (by my own BEGGING, mind you – my amazing doc thought the safest route to go was a second c-sect after my first daughter’s emergency birth due to preeclampsia), contrary to your story, I did dialate in about 10 hrs. However, my BP kept creeping up higher and higher and the baby’s heart rate kept dropping lower and lower. The doc convinced me to get an epidural (later he would tell me that it was b/c at that point he knew c-sect was imminent). FInally, he broke the news that we were going the ‘c’ route again, which I agreed to b/c he promised me it would be the last resort. We were rushed into the o.r. and doc asked me if I could feel the clamps – yes. How bout now? Yes. Now? Yes. I remember immediately after the last question seeing a mask coming at my face. Knocked out. Like you with Gabrielle, I don’t exactly remember the first time I saw Rory – I was still so out of it.
But the other way that your story is eerily similar to my own is that for the last 3 1/2 years I have been longing, praying, hoping for another baby. Sometimes if feels so selfish, since He has blessed me beyond measure with my two beautiful, healthy girls. But I still have that yearning, incomplete feeling… We lost a baby to a tubal pregnancy in 2010, and my heart is still broken, but slowly healing – and I am lucky to be alive after how that transpired, so I continue to be BLESSED BY HIM. This post was so encouraging to me (it will be Pinned momentarily :)). Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
JessiAnn says
P.S. I almost forgot – His blessings continued on the day Rory was born – the cord was wrapped around her neck and she didn’t breathe for a minute or so after she was born. However, within a half hour she was finally turning a pretty pink, and never had any residual problems! HE is so good!
veronica says
Hey,
What a wonderful miracle. I love your story God f this universe is all in it. Im soo happy for you. She is soo precious. May God keep blessing you guys. 🙂
Liz says
Congratulations and what a wonderful story of faith. It definitely moved me, after 5 years of infertility we welcomed my son on May 14th, 2011…I see that your little one was born on May 13, God really does answer plans and on his own schedule. May your child be a reminder of God’s love!
Shannan says
I LOVE that you, too, share the excitement of asking other what their miracle story is because YES, He wants His story woven into this world. Praising Him for your story!
After 6 1/2 years of tests, waiting, tears, praising, crying some more, unknowns, watching my sister lose her daughter 61 minutes after birth, being scared senseless and making what seemed like endless trips to the OB dying my long awaited pregnancy, our daughter Delainey has brought more God-filled moments to our family than can be counted. While it was not without its struggles, it was all worthwhile. Every year, moment of doubt & searching The Bible endlessly …He is faithful & just to bring forth His promises.
karyn smyth says
I was a miracle baby actually. My mother had miscarried a child before me. A brother and the doctors told her she could never ever conceive again. So with a very heavy heart my mother went to a closed convent which was in our area and pleaded with them to pray for a gift of a child from the LORD. So, the nuns who spent all their days praying, prayed for a miracle.
And I was conceived and born and brought back to them and dedicated and consecrated and lifted up onto the LORD.
So, simply, this is me. Also, a miracle baby, girl. From the LORD.
Samantha says
What a beautiful testimony. My only child was born 3 months early, weighing 1 pound 4 ounces. He is now 8 years old and the joy of my life. I’m so thankful for God’s promises of life, motherhood, and love! I blog about my miracle at http://www.PeachNeitherHereNorThere.blogspot.com If you click on the right side of my blog under the heading “My thoughts on…prematurity, healing” you will find the entire story. Thank you for sharing your miracle! Bless you!
Jenni Saake "InfertilityMom" says
God planned a 7-year wait for us too. I love your words, “Sometimes the miracle that you’ve prayed for is harder and sweeter than you could imagine. Unexpected yet still good – like rock candy.” Great descriptive! Jenni – InfertilityMom.blogspot.com (Pinned this on both my infertility and motherhood pages.)
Lorinda says
Thank you for sharing your blessing with us. God’s timing isn’t ours and I can be thankful for He is ALL KNOWING. We too went through a period of infertility and minor assistance. Our son is now 8. We desired more children, but nothing happened, until 2011. We were surprised to learn I was 20 something weeks pregnant and didn’t know it. Yes, I took pregnancy tests…all with 3(name brand and not expired) different results….negative being one of the answers after one that said positive and the last one blank…After riding the “I hope so this month” rollercoaster I didn’t think it could be possible after 7 years of waiting, hoping longing…and listening to that ever present question “When are you going to add to your family?” Our daughter, Selah Grace, was born still at 35 weeks in January 2012. (Named after the word in the book of Psalms..To pause and reflect on the Grace of God) I had been at my healthiest before and during that pregnancy and enjoyed the 12 weeks I knew I was pregnant! At the funeral the salvation message went out. We know there were several unsaved who attended. There was no cause found and we rest in the verse in Psalm 139:16b”You planned how many days I would live. You wrote down the number of them in Your book before I had lived through even one of them.” We are thankful our son went to each doctor’s appointment and ultrasound. He was able to see his sister move and even wave. How precious those memories are at this time. In walking through this grief we came up with a helpful math sentence: 90 years on Earth < ETERNITY We will spend more time with her together as a family praising the Lord than we could have possibly done on Earth. She is already getting to do what God has planned for us to do throughout eternity! Our son has faithfully prayed for another sibling and God willing we will welcome a November baby! We have often talked about God's timing and accepting He knows what is best even when it is a heart wrenching pain and the longing is there to welcome children into the home. We explained that it is similiar to a traffic light, sometimes God says, "No", sometimes He says, "wait" and sometimes He says, "Yes". But God always answers! So, on Mother's and Father's Day I remember to pray for those famlies that are still waiting. I remember how I felt during our waiting and even on the Mother's Day and Father's Day after our daughter's homegoing. May you know God's Peace!
Diana Trautwein says
Well, that sweet story just made my weekend. Thank you so much – and congratulations! Being on the receiving end of God’s goodness is always a lovely, lovely experience. And that little girl??? ADORABLE!!
Beth Williams says
Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! She is soo adorable.
My life verse if Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you”. There have been times when jobs were lost, money was tight–but God always saw me through. Now these past few years my job duties have changed drastically and I no longer enjoy my work or some of the co-workers. Each time I pray about it and question my career choice–God shows me His love & grace! He has blessed me immensely & I know He will continue to bless me@
Enjoy your precious bundle of joy–a gift from God!
Bosede Santos @myoil.org says
Just truly a blessing, when God personally attends to you! I truly rejoice with you Stephanie, and pray God’ll multiply His grace to you and empower you and your husband; and family, to raise this Treasure to His glory. God bless.
Tara says
That’s so awesome Stephanie I work with ur dad and have prayed for u and your husband my husband and I have been married for will be 8 yrs in oct we have been seeking The Lord for children hasn’t happened yet but I know right now it isn’t Gods timing my husband had a ruptured appendicitis and has been down for 6 months we r looking at a surgery on aug 2 hopefully this is the last one he has to have not counting the fact also lost my dad in jan I know God has a plan for us and looking forward to the many blessings God has for us!!
Rochelle says
Thank you so much for sharing your special story. What a God-honoring, great post!! After a couple of weeks of trying to find the right words for my own post, you inspired me to share my story. Read it here: http://rochelle-learning-to-trust.blogspot.com/2013/07/our-childbirth-reality.html.
It was super, duper hard to have our son in the NICU for 11 days, after we’d waited 13 years for him. We praise God for our miracle boy, and are thankful for his grace and protection! To God be the glory!!
Barb says
Loved your testimony of God’s faithfulness in answering our prayers. Our miracle baby is 16 this year and beautiful inside and out. She is such a blessing to us. We gave up after years of medical treatment satisfied with the two perfect boys God had given us 7 and 10 years earlier but then He reminded us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Enjoy your sweet, sweet girl–they grow up fast!
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
Your story is beautiful, incredible, awesome and miraculous, and your baby is precious! I pray God uses your testimony of her Miraculous Birth to be an encouragement to many, many others.
Teresa says
Beautiful story & a beautiful baby! Praise God for his goodness. My son was a miracle this year as well. It brings me tears of joy to hear how often God takes care of mothers and babies.
Destiny says
She is beautiful! Just like her mommy!
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Rieka says
thank you so much for sharing your story, it touches me deeply and caused me to tear! I pray that God blesses your family and your daughter will grow well into a beautiful princess of the King 🙂
Amy Hunt says
This: “Sometimes the miracle that you’ve prayed for is harder and sweeter than you could imagine. Unexpected yet still good – like rock candy.”
The sacrifice of our *knowing* is worth every bit of our stepping one foot at a time toward trusting Him. For, the process of the miracle-getting is the process He takes us through in being ever nearer to Him. It might look messy and feel scary, but it’s always for purpose. Always, always, always.
I’m overwhelmed at this crumb of Bread, sweet Stephanie.
Rich blessings as He continues to lead you ever nearer to His heart.
Stephanie Green says
I love all of your posts, but as an ultrasound tech in a crisis pregnancy center/medical clinic, this is definitely one of my favorites!! Your family is very beautiful and Gabrielle truly is a miracle! I pray for a lifetime of love and amazing times for you and your family!!
Amanda says
Oh, Stephanie! Praising God with you for your healthy baby girl, and for all of the miracles He performed to bring her to your arms. Praying that you will enjoy these hard, amazing days of learning to be a mother, learning to be a family of 3, learning who your girl is. Praying for an extra overflow of grace to you. 🙂
My miracle… is having my joy back, after about a year of depression/anxiety. Life is in full color again, I can feel again, and it is amazing. Jesus never left me during those hard months, he felt closer than ever some days… but it is so good to watch my little boys’ antics and feel joy instead of stress. Praise God!
logan says
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logan http://www.23hq.com/hate32modem/story/12549637
Jennifer says
Stephanie, yes, I am crying. Yes, I am humbled by God’s beauty and love and tenderness toward us. Just blown away by this story. Thank you for this gift. God bless you and your beautiful family!
Erin says
Stephanie, this is such a beautiful story of God’s promises and His endless love. It’s been a blessing to watch your story unfold from afar and see the excitement and love on your faces as you waited for your sweet baby girl and the pictures with her here. It’s a beautiful thing.
I had a similar experience with my baby boy…I had an emergency c-section and I, too, felt the instruments so they had to knock me out. But God has given us many more precious moments to treasure, too.
Next to the gift of a mother’s love for her child is watching it..thank you for the gift of sharing your story. It’s a humbling reminder gift of how precious each.second.is.
Congratulations!!
Laura says
She is beautiful! Congrats!!!
My birth story for my first son is somewhat similar. I went into labor at 38 weeks. After 10 hours of active labor at the hospital (with a plan for a natural birth) my baby’s heart beat went from 160 to 0 and back again. This happened just a couple of times before they rushed me back to the OR and had him out in 5 minutes from the last drop in heartbeat in my L&D room. He had the cord wrapped around his neck twice and was not breathing when he was born. This was why I never progressed. He was being hanged every time I contracted. Praise be to God that he is now 2 with no problems from his birth. What brings even more glory to God is that just 2 days earlier on an ultrasound he looked fine. The cord was no where near his neck. The morning I went to the hospital, even though I was in labor, they were going to send me home because my contractions weren’t close enough yet. However, I tested positive for an infection and they wanted me to stay for observation. If I had went home I would have lost my Jackson. God works miracles every moment of every day. His plans are perfect. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of God’s work in the details.
Laura says
I forgot to add that once Jackson was born there was no evidence of an infection anywhere. God provided and gave the hospital a reason to keep me.
Claudia says
God has giving me many blessing and given me many miracles. He is a daily testament to my belief in Him and just how powerful He is. I have never lost my faith. I have had to work harder because He has pushed me to do so. His love and guidance has proven to be the one thing I know I can always count on. Have faith. I do. Because HE ALWAYS comes through. In one form or another. And I have learned that when my miracles and blessings are delivered to me, in their perfect form, as things should be, I always know all is and will continue to be well. God has blessed me. And after reading your story, he has blessed you and your family in a way one could only pray for..